President Webb: 1st year at CONCACAF helm

LONDON - One year ago, his passion for football led Jeffrey Webb to commit to the CONCACAF presidency despite its multiple challenges. Today, that passion continues to take him through a year-long journey of advancing his mission of developing, promoting and managing football with integrity, transparency and passion in order to inspire participation in the game.

"After a year leading CONCACAF, I'm grateful to all of our Member Associations, business partners, coaches, players, fans, and all of those who believe in our beautiful sport for supporting this journey and contributing to our continued quest to building a stronger Confederation," said Webb.

The Confederation's focus on reform showcases an administration that is geared towards empowering the region through development and governance. Webb's effort is centered on establishing solid foundations to grow the sport and succeed from the grassroots level to worldwide competitions.

"Over the past year, we have seen the first steps towards reforming CONCACAF. By redefining our destiny, we have set the course that will write a new chapter in our region's future. Our goal is to bring back the trust and confidence by establishing a process of accountability," added Webb. "It's ultimately about the passion to play this beautiful game."

Alongside CONCACAF's General Secretary, Enrique Sanz, and the Executive Committee, the Confederation is creating greater opportunities for its members to be involved in all initiatives by increasing participation at a committee level. The aim is to ultimately assist all Member Associations in fulfilling their business goals, while regaining trust and confidence with local partners, sponsors and stakeholders.

"The real challenge of uniting nations that are in such different places, not only in the development of their game but also in their society grid, is defining an integral regional vision of the future," explained Webb.Nevertheless, the FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President has been thrilled with the region's on-the-field successes over the past year. The gold medals won by the Mexican men and American women, plus the bronze medal captured by the Canadian women, at the 2012 Olympic Games, as well as the U.S. women winning the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, were inspiring achievements realized in his still short tenure.

"We have set an unprecedented landmark by becoming the first confederation in history to win the Gold Medal in both male and female categories in the same Olympic Games," proudly uttered Webb.

As an impending issue on the global agenda, CONCACAF is committed to lead the way in the fight against discrimination as a top priority for the Confederation. Likewise, as the recently appointed Head of FIFA's Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force, it is Webb's duty to assist in fulfilling football's commitment to eradicate racism from the fields.

"We have a special responsibility in the way we can impact football and society. One of the opportunities this task force has is its vast reach throughout FIFA's 209 member associations where we can implement the resolutions in every region and every country where football is played, bringing universality to the mechanisms that combat racism and discrimination," asserted Webb.

The forthcoming Gold Cup is expected to be a first-class spectacle that promises an outstanding demonstration of aptitude and competiveness. The tournament will take place July 7-28 in 13 cities throughout the United States, allowing each of the twelve qualified National Football Teams to showcase their talent in a celebration of the best of football in the region.

Webb is certain that this is just the beginning of what the Confederation aims to achieve in the coming years. With this in mind, he anticipates further investment in grassroots, education, marketing and infrastructure to reach a standard of excellence that is required to compete at the highest level internationally. Likewise, CONCACAF wants to continue building strategic partnerships that share a common vision to nurture the growth of the sport.

"I'm hopeful to build upon the progress we have already made so far. We are in the right path to deliver the promise of providing opportunities to fulfill our sport's potential by overcoming obstacles and conquering victories on and off the field. Despite the challenges, CONCACAF's passion for football is bringing us together." concluded Webb.